ABSTRACT
Uncontrolled hazardous chemical releases pose a number of risks to response professionals. Although the potential adverse health effects from hazardous chemical exposure are the primary concern for personnel working at an emergency release, numerous other hazards and risks characterize these working environments as well:
n Temperature extremes n Noise exposure n Ionizing radiation n Oxygen deficiency n Fire and explosion hazards n Electrical hazards n Unsafe conditions n Biological hazards
This section describes some of these hazards commonly present at uncontrolled hazardous chemical release sites. Risk characterization of an emergency, which should be performed prior to response initiation, must include an inventory of these factors in the area to facilitate development of an accurate list of potential worker and responder hazards. A site safety and health program should subsequently be prepared to address all potential work hazards and provide adequate protection to all personnel entering and working at the location.
